Students, professors express Donald Trump’s impact on UH
JOSHUA VASQUEZ SENIOR STAFF WRITER
@J0SH_VASQUEZ
Former President Donald J. Trump will become the 47th president of the United States after surpassing the 270 electoral votes needed.
This marks his return to the White House after losing to President Joe Biden in 2020.
Trump’s victory path became clear after he won all seven battleground states Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, according to CBS News.
In addition to his Electoral College win, Trump also won the popular vote with over 73.6 million votes, surpassing Harris by more than 4.2 million, according to The Associated Press.
This is the first time in 20 years that a Republican has won the popular vote.
“It was obviously a good night for Republicans with Donald Trump being elected,” said associate professor of political science Jennifer Clark. “If you look at some of the other elections, such as the US Senate, they were able to flip control, although some outcomes are still pending.”
Reactions among UH students
While some students rejoiced at the election results, others expressed deep concerns. Students were disappointed, particularly in regard to the impact on women and the LGBTQ+ community.
“My girlfriend is transgender, and so the results of the election have called into question whether she’ll be able to access healthcare at all,” said English senior Davis Brooks.
Students like Brooks worry about mass
deportations and the potential federal ban on abortion, sharing concerns for people he knows will be harmed by both policies.
“My girlfriend has dreams of her own, and it breaks my heart that so much of the country only values her for her ability to give birth,” said mechanical engineering senior Daniel Villarreal.
Villarreal also criticized his fellow peers for a lack of empathy and how they felt content to use power solely for personal gains.
For many students, the results of the election were disheartening. There is a constant fear of the potential consequences for marginalized communities as well.
“When I woke up Wednesday morning, I was devastated,” said history junior Beka Stowell. “I’m queer and disabled, and with Trump winning, I know I am not safe in the US while he is president.”
UH’s future, immigration concerns
Clark, while acknowledging that Texas is a more conservative state, believes the University has not been significantly impacted by political shifts.
“Our legislature and governor have supported the University, so we haven’t faced significant cuts,” Clark said. “Our strong economy has also helped us weather financial challenges.”
However, Clark cautioned that changes to immigration policies, particularly regarding visas and international students, could affect the University’s diverse student body.
This could potentially be a cause of concern for UH as it promotes itself to be the second most ethnically diverse
research university in the US.
UH has 33.1% white, 19.6% Asian/ Pacific Islander, 23.5% Hispanic, 12.1% African American, 8.5% International, 0.3% Native American and 2.9% unspecified students. The University students represent more than 137 nations, according to the University profile.
Concerns regarding healthcare, development
Students also have concerns regarding the developments in the healthcare sector, particularly with Trump’s proposed cuts to the National Institutes of Health funding.
There is anxiety among students about the future of the country and its citizens for the next four years.
“I’m deeply terrified by the precedent of a rapist, felon and genuinely awful individual being elected to the highest office in our country not just once, but twice,” said biochemistry senior Grace Dreifuerst.
The election results signal a new era of political and personal uncertainty as President-elect Trump prepares to return to the White House.
The Latino vote
The Latino vote was a major topic of discussion, with reports indicating that about 45% of Latinos voted for Trump, according to NBC News.
“Trump spoke to Hispanic voters better than Kamala did, plain and simple,” said psychology senior Omar Bravo. “I don’t agree with everything Trump has to say, but I voted for him.”
Many Latinos like Bravo believe many moderate voters have left the Democratic
Party, emphasizing that Latinos are not a monolith but rather a diverse group of people with various backgrounds and beliefs.
Bravo also pushed back against the stereotype that Hispanic men won’t vote for women, pointing to the election of female leaders like Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico’s first female president.
Republicans extend their reach in Texas
In the Senate race, incumbent Republican Ted Cruz defeated Democratic nominee Colin Allred, securing 53% of the vote.
Clark believes that it all boiled down to partisanship and Cruz’s alignment with Trump to secure his victory.
“People turned out for Trump and voted down the ticket Republican,” Clark said. On Nov. 7, the UH Political Science Department hosted a Presidential Election Analysis by associate professor Jeronimo Cortina and professor Brandon Rottinghaus.
Cortina and Rottinghaus, who also co-host Houston Public Media’s Party Politics Podcast, discussed factors influencing the election outcome, emphasizing economic issues as a major motivator.
Despite raising significant campaign funds, Allred struggled to turn out voters in strong Democratic counties and major cities like Houston.
“I think the short answer in terms of motivation, which was really high this election, is that it’s the economy,” Rottinghaus said. “Prices are high, wage stagnation is increased and people are worried about their economic futures and as a result, they took the kind of punishment out on the Biden administration and Vice President Harris.”
The rural counties which tend to favor Republican candidates, helped propel Cruz to victory, Clark said.
The future of the Democratic party
Many students believe that the Democratic Party must reconsider their approach in order to connect and relate more with the citizens.
“If Democrats wanted a better result, then Biden should’ve dropped out sooner,” said political science senior Spencer Taylor.
At the UH event, Cortina and Rottinghaus suggested that the Democratic Party needs to engage in significant soul-searching to understand their recent losses.
The Democrats need to rethink their strategy and reconnect with working-class voters who have drifted away from the party.
Echoing concerns about the party’s future, the landscape of politics has shifted and Democrats have yet to adjust, Taylor said.
news@thedailycougar.com
Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar
Proposed parking fee hikes spark student concerns over costs, safety
WENDOLEE T. GARCIA MARTINEZ
ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR @TOP444CIO
The fall semester is coming to an end and students are preparing to apply to classes, purchase their preferred meal plan and acquire their parking permit.
A primary concern on many students’ minds is the rising cost of these essentials.
One of the noticeable price hikes were parking permits which sparked concern among students about how these increased costs impact their daily budgets and longterm savings.
“The permit to park is way too expensive for the quality that it is and it is affecting my savings,” said communications freshman Nadia Cruz. “If the price were to increase, the garage should be safer and more security should be added.”
Financial strain is a common struggle for college students, especially those relying solely on FAFSA support, which often doesn’t cover all tuition and living expenses.
Additional disruptions—such as parking restrictions on game days—further frustrate students, who find it unfair to pay full price for a permit they can’t always use.
“It’s ridiculous how expensive parking permits are during game days, I feel like I should have access to the parking garage that I pay for, but have to park elsewhere which is annoying,” said nursing freshman Nadia Badillo. “A lot of us are paying out of pocket and it’s not our parents paying.”
Price increase implementation
Though parking prices are one of the biggest concerns for students, the UH marketing and communications department has assured students that parking prices will not be increasing for the spring semester.
However, students might see a rise in
price during the 2025 fall semester. The price increase would include Zone B and C to go from $275 to $300 and $327 per semester in 2026 and 2027.
All other parking zones are currently $250 and would increase to $258 and $268. Tiers 1 and 2 will not increase during 2026 and 2027.
This price raise was recommended by the Transportation and Parking Advisory Committee but has not yet been approved by the UH System Board of Regents.
“As an auxiliary service, we are required to be self-sustaining financially and cover all our expenses,” said executive director of media relations Kevin Quinn.
Price increase rationale
UH Parking and Transportation services is adding new safety features such as parking gates, entrance and exit security cameras and elevator life cycle replacements and renewals.
“The upcoming increase would affect me since I have to pay for extra materials outside of the tuition,” said psychology junior Jaleesa Gonzalez. “I feel like they’ll add more security features since there’s been a lot of thefts but I myself have not seen too much improvement in the garage from my time here.”
Furthermore, the funds from the proposed increase in tier 3, tier 4 and specialty parking areas will maintain the ongoing lighting project. Zone E, which is part of tier 4, will be resurfaced to provide better use of the parking spaces.
“The increase is a necessary cost of doing business since parking is an auxiliary service and its budget to operate is primarily from parking permit fees for student, faculty and staff parkers,” Quinn said. “All funding is directly invested back into the program to ensure safety and efficiency.”
Although there has been an increase in permit fees throughout the years, UHPT had to reduce their budget by 40% causing them to decrease their staffing by 43%.
UHPT is now using more technology to manage parking on campus.
Prices and developments over the years
From 2019 to 2023 operational facilities and parking equipment costs went up by 114% due to the inflation of labor, costs of goods and services needed for the UHPT to be able to conduct their service effectively.
Over the last five years the total semester average increase across all parking permits was $38.
Despite the 114% inflation increase, UHPT has been continuing amenities and programs such as the Cougar Ride, the Cougar Line shuttle service, the Sugarland Shuttle and COAST.
Additionally UHPT has been able to conduct multiple citation forgiveness efforts in partnership with the Student Government Association and reduced the price for Tier 2 parkers by $54 per semester.
Due to the increase over the last five years, UHPT has been able to expand parking and made ongoing improvements in already existing parking areas for safety and efficiency.
UHPT was able to build two brand new garages, the Elgin Street and Gateway Garage and construct surface parking lots at College of Medicine and UH Katy Instructional Site making a total of 4,500 new parking spaces.
They also added 24/7 customer service at all parking gates, reconfigured the Stadium Garage to maximize the number of permits that could be sold and added charging stations for electric vehicles.
The Welcome Center Garage will also
be reconfigured to maximize the number of permits that could be sold, giving more students a chance to score a permit in the garage they prefer.
“It is worth noting also that University of Houston Parking and Transportation Services has been designated an Accredited Parking Organization by the International Parking and Mobility Institute, a milestone that only 44 parking programs have reached,” Quinn said.
Students on the price increase
Some students are opting to carpool in an effort to reduce expenses on gas and parking permits, but even when costs are shared, affordability remains a challenge.
Reports of vehicle damage in campus parking garages are common among students. While minor scratches are frequently mentioned, some students have reported more significant incidents, such as stolen tires, raising concerns about vehicle safety in these facilities.
“I have been carpooling which is usually around $400 each,” Gonzalez said. “This year it went down by $50 which is great but, I don’t think it’s worth it since I can’t leave the car unattended with peace of mind.”
Over the past few weeks, several cases of criminal mischief, damage to property, theft and burglary have been reported.
Though UHPT has been able to make various changes to the parking garages in hopes to be able to provide better quality and performance for students and staff, some students still feel like there should be security measures added if there is another price increase.
“I can understand that they are improving things but they should be more lenient of the students,” Badillo said.
news@thedailycougar.com
Eman Ghacham/The Cougar
MEN’S BASKETBALL
sports Roberts, Sharp, Cryer: Leaders on, off the court
ASHTON GRISSOM
ASSISTANT SPORTS EDITOR
@ASHTONAGRISSOM8
In college basketball, leadership is often defined by talent and player performance on the court.
However, for Houston men’s basketball, leadership has a deeper meaning. It is seen in dedicated players such as graduate forward J’Wan Roberts, redshirt junior guard Emanuel Sharp and graduate guard L.J. Cryer.
These athletes have navigated unique paths to become trusted leaders under coach Kelvin Sampson.
“We do a great job creating value in our players,” Sampson said. “Our players buy into our culture and we develop them as not only players but young men.”
Their journeys show how perseverance, hard work and a commitment to their community can create successful basketball players and inspiring leaders.
Recruit to captain
Roberts, a six-year veteran, leads the front court for the Cougars. Now entering his final season at UH, he is considered Houston’s captain.
Roberts was a three-star recruit and enrolled at the UH on July 1, 2019. He began very low in the depth chart and needed time to develop into Sampson’s system.
“From my first day at Houston I knew this was a family oriented program,” Roberts said. “The older guys would help me and they even showed me around the city.”
At the time, Roberts was mentored by former forwards Justin Gorham and Fabian White Jr., along with former guard DeJon Jarreau.
“Those guys took me under their wing, and now it’s my turn to carry the throne,” Roberts said.
Roberts averaged only 2.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game through his first two seasons.
Roberts gradually climbed the depth chart with more experience. His ability to learn from his mistakes and improve made him a key component of the Cougars’ success.
Roberts’ commitment to his development showcased his skills and earned him the trust of Sampson, who values players who play hard and pay attention to detail.
Roberts’ performance exploded his next two seasons averaging 9.8 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
Now in his last season at UH, Roberts has taken on a much more important role as he is not only just a talented player, but a leader for the Houston program.
“I remember my first years on campus and how difficult it was,” Roberts said. “I am now here for those guys just like I had guys here for me.”
A true leader not only guides others by words, but by embodying the values and actions they wish to see in those that they lead.
“The way he performs is how I want the game to be played,” coach Sampson said. “J’wan has developed into a leader that his teammates and coaches respect.”
Injury to Impact
Sharp is entering his third season at UH and is one of the most feared perimeter shooters in the country. He is already proving that this season shooting 50% from behind the arc.
Sharp’s journey to success was very challenging. In his final year at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School, Sharp suffered a broken fibula and tore several ligaments in his ankle.
He made the decision to graduate high school early and enroll at UH.
He spent his first year focusing on rehabilitating his ankle and making a full recovery.
“I spent most of that year getting healthy and really just learning from my coaches and teammates,” Sharp said. “I wanted to find a way to get better even if I wasn’t on the court.”
Sharp’s second year was not filled with expectations, but he wanted to do everything he could to help the team and learn from former guards Marcus Sasser and Jamal Shead.
“Even though I wasn’t playing much, I still feel like I had a big role on the team,” Sharp said. “My role was to knock down open shots and guys like Jamal and Marcus really helped me improve.”
Sharp has always been known for his scoring ability, but this offseason he committed himself to becoming a more well-rounded player.
“This summer I really worked on my defense and that’s how I solidified my role on the team,” Sharp said.
Sharp’s commitment to elevating his game and learning from teammates and coaches paid off.
In the 2023-24 season, Sharp averaged 12.6 points and 3.5 rebounds per game. He also was second on his team in three pointers made with 82.
His commitment to defense also was seen on the court as he averaged 1.5 steals per
game.
As a leader of his current team, he now focuses not only on his own improvement but also on developing the younger players who are the future of the program.
“It was nice coming into this program having guys that helped me out and taught me the culture,” Sharp said. “Now that I have been in these younger guy’s shoes, I want to be a mentor for them and help them in any way.”
Champion mentality
Leading the guards for the Cougars is fifth year guard Cryer who is one of Houston’s premier scoring threats this season. He is also one of 20 studentathletes named to the National Association of Basketball Coaches Player of the Year preseason watch List.
He played his first three seasons at Baylor, averaging 15.5 points per game in his final season, and was also a part of the 2021 team that won the NCAA Championship.
Cryer is known for his scoring ability, especially his three-point shot. He came to Houston to elevate his game defensively and play for a championship-contending basketball program.
He also reunited with former UH guard Jamal Shead, who he grew up with.
“I’ve known Jamal since the third grade,” Cryer said. “He is the best point guard in the country in my eyes and I’ve learned a lot from him.”
Cryer’s first season at UH was difficult for him to adjust to. Leaders of last year’s team took pride in taking in the highly rated transfer and teaching him the culture at Houston.
“Last season was a culture shock,” Cryer said. “I spent a lot of time learning about the coaches’ expectations from Jamal and J’wan.”
With the help of leaders from last year’s team, Cryer didn’t miss a beat. He led the team in points per game with 15.5 and
three-pointers made with 112.
Going into his final year of college basketball, Cryer strives to develop the younger guys just like the teammates that helped him.
“Being a good example for the freshman is a big deal to me,” Cryer said. “I try to give them the same advice that helped me.”
Defining leadership
Leadership in basketball extends beyond individual stats or accolades; it also encompasses elevating those around you.
Sampson emphasizes a culture of accountability, and these players embody this attribute by consistently showing up and giving their best, as well as inspiring their teammates to do the same.
“Great leaders know that they create and drive culture,” Sampson said. “The culture is a reflection of their leadership.”
Roberts, Sharp and Cryer also consistently give back to their community They show the importance of making an impact on those around you, illustrating that life is bigger than sports.
Houston basketball participates in several community service events every year such as Hoops for Hounds, volunteering at the American Cancer Society and visiting children at the Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital. The trio not only leads their team on the court, but prioritizes leading the team to better the community.
The journeys of Roberts, Sharp and Cryer at UH exemplify what it means to be a leader in both basketball and life.
In a time where athletes are often seen just as their performance statistics, these young men remind their fellow Cougars that true leadership extends beyond the court.
sports@thedailycougar.com
J’Wan Roberts. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar
L.J. Cryer | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar
Emanuel Sharp. | Oscar Herrera/The Cougar
New faces, big expectations: Miller and McCarty
AMIRA ELMEJJARMI
STAFF WRITER
@AMIRA.ELMEJ
As freshman guard Mercy Miller and freshman forward Chase McCarty lace up for their first season with Houston men’s basketball, they are doing more than just putting on a new jersey; they are stepping into a whole new world. They will not only be adapting to playing at the next level but competing with one of the best basketball programs in the nation.
“This isn’t high school anymore,” Miller said. “It is tough being an athlete for a top team, but I am finding ways to stay on top of my basketball and academics.”
A scorer and a sharpshooter
Miller, known for his explosive scoring ability, was a standout at Notre Dame High School in Los Angeles, Calif. There he averaged nearly 30 points per game. His powerful presence on the court earned him national recognition, as he won the SB Live CIF Southern Section Offensive Player of the Year in his home state and MVP honors at the Iverson Classic in Hampton, Va.
As he enters his first season with UH, Miller is focused on translating his high school success into contributions that benefit the team as a whole.
“I want to show people what we have been working on as a team and what I have been working on,” Miller said. “Our ultimate goal is to win a national championship.”
McCarty, a sharpshooter, originally from Huntsville, Ala., also hopes to achieve greatness with Houston.
He played with Florida’s IMG Academy in high school and won the three-point shooting title at Under Armour’s Elite 24 last summer.
Houston’s emphasis on grit and player growth made it the perfect fit for him.
“Coach Sampson is going to push you to
be the best, and that’s exactly what I need,”
McCarty said.
UH’s experienced teammates and supportive coaching staff have played a pivotal role in helping Miller and McCarty with their transition to a new environment.
Mentorship from upperclassmen
Both recruits have found mentors among upperclassmen who understand what it’s like to step into college basketball’s spotlight for the first time.
McCarty connected with graduate forward J’Wan Roberts and graduate guard L.J. Cryer. These teammates brought his confidence back up through the tough times. They would tell him to play hard, and that coach would appreciate it.
But it’s not only what they say but also how they present themselves to the young athlete.
“Watching the way L.J. comes in every day ready to practice has been pushing me to get a lot better,” McCarty said.
Likewise, Miller found a mentor in redshirt sophomore guard Terrance Arceneaux, who has faced adversity and was sidelined for a significant part of the 2023 season due to a torn Achilles tendon.
“Terrance helped me the most, just because his freshman year was rough; he shows me what to do, what not to do, and how to get on the coach’s good side,” Miller said.
Luckily, for the newcomers, Houston’s culture ensures everyone is held to the same standard, regardless of their classification or experience.
“Our job is making sure they are putting their best foot forward every single day, and that’s how they are gonna get better,” Arceneaux said.
First college basketball action
During Houston’s exhibition game against the Texas A&M Aggies, coach Sampson
gave the two young recruits their first taste of college basketball.
Miller seized the moment, bringing energy off the bench and scoring 11 points, making five of his seven shots.
McCarty also played his first minutes, making an impact with a defensive rebound and block in his brief time on the court.
This game demonstrates Houston’s reputation for nurturing talent only grows stronger with Miller and McCarty’s additions to the team. Sampson highlights how the program’s development approach transformed senior forward Ja’Vier Francis, who went from a low point as a freshman to starting on a nationally ranked team.
“Player development is what we’re all about. It’ll be interesting to watch Mercy and Chase’s journeys. Both journeys are equally important,” Sampson said.
Building on a legacy
The addition of Miller and McCarty only strengthens this legacy UH holds for its players.
Both freshmen are learning what it means to be part of a program that values growth, community and hard work.
“We do a great job creating value in our players,” Sampson said.
He has a track record of developing young talent, which was a significant factor in both athletes’ decision to commit to the Cougars.
Houston has established itself as a powerhouse in developing NBA talent, with recent players like Jamal Shead, Jarrace Walker and Marcus Sasser making significant strides at the professional level.
Shead now plays for the Toronto Raptors, Walker is a key contributor for the Indiana Pacers and Sasser is continuing his career with the Detroit Pistons.
Houston’s basketball program has built a reputation for turning high-level young talent into professional success.
The program’s ability to consistently produce NBA-caliber players highlights its commitment to shaping athletes who can succeed at the highest levels of basketball. With the loss of players every year to the NBA draft, transfer portal or graduation, coach Sampson relies heavily on the development of his young athletes to fill in the gaps in the program.
“I don’t try to replace players; I try to make our team better,” Sampson said. Miller and McCarty were the only recruits in their class for a reason. They were chosen not just for their skills on the court but for how well they fit the UH culture. They are also vital to each other’s success. Each athlete pushes each other hard in practice and will tell you they are the better three-point shooter of the pair.
The friendly rivalry between the two freshmen allows them to hold each other accountable daily in practice.
For Miller and McCarty, this season is about more than numbers and victories; it’s about developing under Houston’s experienced upperclassmen and setting themselves up to be the program’s future.
While minutes on the floor aren’t guaranteed, growth opportunities are plentiful for any budding contributor.
“I think what freshmen do best is make mistakes because to them basketball is a game of great plays and to me it’s a game of eliminating mistakes, so you have two counter thought processes going right away,” Sampson said. “Two of the most valuable lessons you can teach a young man is how to listen and follow instructions. That thing coming out of my mouth-that thing you hear is not something to cause vibrations inside your eardrum son. Those are words that are meant to be followed, and they have to learn that.”
sports@thedailycougar.com
Mercy Miller (25) and Chase McCarty (24) making their debut in a NCAA men’s basketball exhibition game against Jackson State on Nov. 4, 2024, in Houston, Texas. | Raphael Fernandez/The Cougar (left), Courtesy of UH Athletics (right)
Elon Musk’s election practices were exploitative, misleading
PARKER HODGES-BEGGS
OPINION EDITOR
@ALASTFAIR
As the election results came in and Donald Trump’s victory was concluded, the question of voter fraud immediately came into the spotlight. One particular name many have focused on is Elon Musk, given his presence in this year’s presidential cycle.
Regardless of one’s convictions regarding the results, Elon Musk’s involvement in the election perpetuated right-wing ideas that aided in Trump’s victory. When looking into the details, Musk’s actions this presidential cycle have been predatory and abusive.
Musk’s election presence began with his acquisition of Twitter, now called X. Shortly after buying the app, Musk said, “For Twitter to deserve public trust, it must be politically neutral.”
However, that supposed neutrality quickly derailed.
Since the aforementioned quote, X has morphed from something of a social media town square to a platform powered by almost exclusively right-wing voices.
Though it started with simple endorsement posts and the like, research by the University of Pennsylvania found significant bias in the visibility both sides of the political spectrum were given.
POLITICS
With this discovery being almost two years before the election, it’s undeniable that the right-wing echo chamber created within the platform aided in the republican majority the US government will face come January.
Musk essentially used his power to give widespread attention to conservative ideals and voices, whether they held credibility or not. The massive amount of misinformation and broader right-wing coverage was bound to amass a larger republican turnout.
Even more than this, Musk also created the America PAC in July, a political action committee dedicated to conservative ideals. This group promised voters money in exchange for referring others to register while also running a supposed giveaway for $1 million, all of which was brought under fire for supposedly being voter fraud.
When a legal case was made against these giveaways, it was determined by a Pennsylvanian judge that Musk was allowed to continue as such, as the “giveaways” were not actually random, and, while misleading, were legal.
The problem with this, though, is that in funding such an enormous PAC during a very contentious election, Musk has effectively taken advantage of a key issue during this election cycle: poverty.
It’s no secret that many Americans are
discontent with the state of the country’s economy, with the topic of costs of living being brought up many times during debates and candidate rallies. In promising money to those who follow his agenda, Musk effectively exploited the impoverished to further Trump’s campaign.
While not illegal, the America PAC was exploitative and will continue to be so, if its track record is anything to go by. Even if its legality remains upheld, it is
shameful that a man with such a large amount of influence is allowed to abuse the system in such a way.
The combination of X’s conservative echo chamber and exploitative practices by Elon Musk goes to show that those like him cannot be left unchecked. Legal or not, elections are sensitive subjects, and practices surrounding them should not be as manipulative as his.
opinion@thedailycougar.com
It’s not fair to expect the left to keep the peace post-election
ANAYA BAXTER
OPINION ASSIST
@ANAYABAX
As Americans grapple with tensions after this year’s divisive election, democrats are seemingly expected to spearhead peace-making efforts.
Conceding is a natural part of the political cycle, and there is no doubt that the country needs unity. Still, it is unrealistic to expect people to accept a candidate with a criminal record intent on stripping marginalized people of their rights.
Hate speech and blatant discrimination have drastically increased in the days leading up to and following Nov. 5. From visible offensive language on college campuses to online spaces seeing a surge of misogynistic speech, people are adopting and repeating the hateful rhetorics used on the campaign trail.
Citizens are rightfully scared about their own and their loved ones livelihood. It is hard to have a civil conversation with someone who voted against women’s right to govern their bodies or in support of giving police immunity that could result
in the terrorizing of black and brown communities.
Under the cheers and celebrations, thousands prepare for the worst and tend to the wounds of betrayal. Nearly 75 million voted red, reinforcing America’s individualist attitude. When those ballots were cast, women, people of color and members of the LGBTQ+ community were not considered.
Community is necessary among vulnerable communities, but allies in power are needed to make structural change. In the next administration, these allies are nowhere to be found.
Trump and his supporters avoid accountability by placing the burden of unifying the country on the losing party. In a literal sense, the criminal charges against him, including allegedly falsifying public records and disrupting the 2020 election, will likely be dropped. His exemptions will only worsen upon re-entering office and being supported by his largely influenced Supreme Court.
Following the example of the highest elected official in the nation, many now feel free to openly attack others under the guise of “freedom of expression.” Tolerance for this behavior continues a cycle of harm and fear.
The majority of Americans told
future citizens and historians that an incompetent extremist is fit to govern the nation. Future students may accurately learn about it, if a future president overturns the upcoming one’s plans to censor academia.
Individual and collective reconciliation is hard. No simple solution exists to ease America’s division and the proposed ones do not seem fitting at this time.
Both parties and all citizens, once rage simmers, must deeply reflect on their biases and decisions. While not a pleasant activity, it is necessary to prompt change. As citizens await the future, advocacy and protective efforts must continue. Many are vocal about their concerns during election years and should continue the momentum. Local activism may be more hopeful, where effects can be seen more easily at a smaller scale and decisionmakers are accessible. Speaking to school boards, council members and state officials is just as impactful as voting.
Citizens need to be aware of their resources and rights, as state and national governments reform legislature that affect them. From education to healthcare access, people need to look out for themselves if governing bodies will not.
opinion@thedailycougar.com
Lily Huynh/The Cougar
Stephanie Santos/The Cougar
life and arts
ADVICE
April’s Angle: Recovering from semester slumps
APRIL BADMUS
STAFF WRITER
@ITZ_APRULLL
Hi, and welcome back to another issue of April’s Angle where I share my thoughts on everything from fashion and beauty to college life and beyond. If you have questions or need advice on any topic, I’m here to help!
You can submit questions or opinions through the link in the April’s Angle highlight on The Cougar’s Instagram or message me personally.
What’s a small habit that can make a big difference in daily life?
Learning to hold yourself accountable will change how you approach so many issues in your daily life. One of the main reasons we have trouble accomplishing our goals is the lack of accountability.
The jump from being a kid to an adult marks the beginning of “taking care of yourself.” This new responsibility can be neglected very quickly and you might start to be less productive in the absence of direct instruction.
Learning to hold yourself accountable will build self-
discipline and promote consistency.
When you’re committed to following through on your tasks, you develop habits that improve productivity and make it easier to achieve goals over time. Self accountability can also improve decision making. Knowing you’re responsible for the outcomes of the choices you make encourages thoughtful decisions and reduces impulsive behavior. It can also help you make choices that align with your future goals.
When people know you’ll own up to mistakes and follow through on promises, they’re
more likely to trust you, strengthening your relationships. Starting small is the key to developing this habit. Choose a goal you want to accomplish and create a plan for yourself.
When you catch yourself slipping on your responsibilities, be the first person to point it out, figure out why and fix the issue. Don’t give up until that goal is accomplished.
How do I recover from the mid-semester slump?
The mid semester slump can be debilitating. Getting through it takes a conscious effort. Get out of your space, both
physically and mentally, take a mental break and use the time to participate in your favorite hobbies and try to do nothing for a short period of time.
The break will do you good. Try getting out of your room, go on walks or do your work in a different space. I’ve found that this helps me not feel so trapped with the amount of work and studying to be done.
Make sure you’re prioritizing your mental health. Recognize that at the end of the day, you’ll produce the best work when your mind is in the best headspace.
Planning should be your best friend, use a physical planner to organize your thoughts and goals, take it day by day and make a plan for accomplishing your goals.
Reach out for support! There are countless resources at UH to help you with academics or personal issues, one of those being UH’s Counseling and Psychological Services. Utilize the resources that you have and keep in mind that without the lows you wouldn’t recognize the highs.
news@thedailycougar.com
EDITORIAL BOARD
EDITOR
Turn an innovative idea into a lifestyle change. List the ups and downs you face daily, consider what makes you happy and map out a plan that points you in a direction that leaves more time for what makes you feel good. Stop wasting time.
SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 22) -- Initiate change. Stay on top of money matters; be sure to ask for a written estimate before you sign a contract. Research can help prevent you from making a costly mistake.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 23Dec. 21) -- Do something that requires one of your talents and intelligence or that offers the opportunity to explore new possibilities and outlets. Let your passion rise and help you make your dreams come true.
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan.
19) -- Keep your emotions hidden from those trying to find your weak link. Put your energy into achieving your goals and fend off interference by keeping a low profile and making every move count.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 19) -- A creative outlet will spark your imagination. Get excited about your plans and prospects; it will help build the momentum and support you need to reach your goal.
PISCES (Feb. 20-March 20)
-- Refuse to let someone else’s uncertainty slow you down. Don’t hesitate to do your best and implement a change that stimulates personal growth. Use your imagination to outmaneuver competitors.
ARIES (March 21-April 19) -- Use your intelligence to outmaneuver anyone trying to exploit you. Don’t be naive
or give anyone the power to make choices for you. Scour all avenues for opportunities and create something wonderful.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20) -- Put your energy where it counts. Make comfort and convenience your goals. Change begins with you; make your best offer and clarify what you want in return.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20)
-- Take care of business yourself. If you depend on others, you will be disappointed in the results. Use your intelligence, knowledge and resources to help navigate your way forward.
CANCER (June 21-July 22) -- Let your mind wander, but keep your money and possessions safe. Don’t buy into someone else’s dreams or succumb to a manipulative
sales pitch. Curb impulsive behavior, and keep a tight grip on your money.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22) -- Do it yourself. Relying on others to do things for you will lead to regret and poor results. Keep your thoughts to yourself when dealing with business matters or associates.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) -- You are overdue for a change, but first, you must take care of loose ends. Once you have all your ducks in a row, reward yourself with a pick-me-up that makes you feel good about your accomplishments.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23)
-- Dealing with people from different backgrounds will require open-mindedness. Offer alternatives and be willing to meet halfway if that’s what it will take to get things done.
ISSUE STAFF
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
The Cougar welcomes letters to the editor from any member of the UH community. Letters should be no more than 250 words and signed, including the author’s full name, phone number or e-mail address and affiliation with the University, including classification and major. Anonymous letters will not be published. Deliver letters to N221, University Center; e-mail them to letters@thedailycougar.com; send them via campus mail to STP 4015; or fax to (713) 743-5384. Letters are subject to editing.
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